A Senior Surveyor from the Birmingham office of global real estate services firm, DTZ has become one of just two people in the city to be awarded a new qualification which helps organisations to achieve more sustainable office fit-outs. 

Catherine Thompson, part of DTZ's project and building consultancy team, is one of eight DTZ surveyors who have become accredited Ska assessors after successfully passing a two-day exam.

Ska rating is a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited environmental assessment tool which has been developed to enable occupiers and landlords to integrate best practice in sustainability. 

Officially launched in November 2009, the Ska rating system differs from other assessment tools such as BREEAM and Energy Performance Certificates, as it specifically focuses on the office fit out rather than the whole building. 

Ska ratings are awarded at gold, silver or bronze levels and certificates can only be issued by accredited Ska assessors. 

Matthew Still, Director in project and building consultancy at DTZ, commented: "The current economic climate often means that occupiers are now more likely to refurbish their existing offices than seek new ones.

"The Ska rating system means we now have a network of trained assessors throughout the UK who are able to assist in fit out work and help our clients to achieve a more sustainable fit-out. 

He added: "DTZ's Ska rating assessment service sits comfortably alongside our project and building consultancy core skills in the design, specification and project management of office fit out projects."

DTZ's project and building consultancy team in Birmingham has managed office fit outs for a number of clients including, E.ON, Hammonds, Becta, QCA, Big Lottery Fund, Legal Services Commission, Martineau and The Learning Skills Council.